I can’t believe the 4th of July is already this weekend! Time truly is flying by. This is the biggest holiday America has and after how tough this past year has been, everyone deserves to have a fun holiday weekend with family and friends. Remember your sunscreen and stay hydrated because it’s gonna be pretty hot this year. For those of you in NYC, I’ve got a fun list of events for this holiday weekend!
Happy 4th!
Macy’s 4th of July fireworks are back this year! Starting at 9:25 this Sunday, the 4th, you can watch the fireworks along the East River. There will be areas split for those vaccinated and unvaccinated to enjoy the show. If it’s too hot out or you don’t feel like heading out, they will be broadcast on NBC from 8-10 with live musical performances.
One World Observatory Celebration
One World Observatory is throwing a celebration for the 4th on the 102nd floor. It will go from 8-12 and there will be an open bar and plenty of food. Tickets are $350/person, only 21+ and you must show proof of vaccination. You’ll get the best view of the Macy’s fireworks over 100 floors up! Hurry and get your tickets!
Collective Governors Island Bottomless Brunch
Collective Retreats is having a special 4th of July brunch on Governors Island! They have a new menu for this weekend that features one entree and unlimited beverages from 11:30am-5pm. The options include french toast, shrimp & grits, a pancake platter and more! Stay for s’mores and sunset cocktails. With a ferry ride under 10 minutes long, how could you not go?!
All of the nearby beaches are open for the summer! What’s a better way than to spend the day, than at the beach having fun with family and friends?! Rockaway Beach is a classic, a few other great ones are Fort Tilden, Long Beach, Jones Beach and Coney Island Beach. Remember to bring sunscreen, water and sunnies!
History lovers- this one is for you! They have tours all holiday weekend, but specifically on the 4th is a Revolutionary NY walking tour focusing on Hamilton, Washington and war. You can learn all about the American Revolution and stop at several historical spots. Walks are rain or shine. Tickets are $30, which is great for a whole history lesson!
If you’re into amusement parks, Luna Park in Coney Island is a fun one! They have tons of rides, shops, fare food options and games. Ride a ferris wheel or cool off at a water park in Coney Island this holiday weekend! You could spend half the day at the amusement park and the other half at the Coney Island Beach. There will be a 15 minute firework show at night, as well!
Go to a Hotel With East River Views
The Box House Hotel Rooftop is hosting a 4th of July private party with 6 DJs, cocktails, frozen drinks and small bites from local Brooklyn restaurants throughout the day! All info regarding tickets is on their eventbrite page linked. Another hotel with great views is Hotel Indigo on the LES has great views of the East River and nice size rooms! There are so many amazing restaurants and things to do nearby, as well. One final hotel with amazing fireworks views is The Williamsburg Hotel and they will also be hosting a private party. They will have BBQ, vegan options, tons of music and drinks! You can find ticket info here!
See The Statue of Liberty’s “Little Sister”
For the first time in 135 years the sisters will be together! The original plaster model from the year 1878 will be on Ellis Island, across the Lady Liberty, from July 1-4. You can follow the Little Sister’s trip on the site linked! Don’t miss this historic moment!
Head to Greenpoint’s Skyline Theater for Project 91’s block party! There will be a really cool DJ lineup, food trucks, a beer garden, activities and more! Grab some friends and go and make more friends there! You’ll be able to see the Macy’s fireworks from there, too!
NYC’s cruise lines and party boats are a great way to spend your Independence Day! Social distancing and mask mandates may still be in place, but that doesn’t ruin the experience. Some other cruises available are with Empire Cruises, Classic Harbor Line and State Cruises. There will be so much food and fun. Being on the water will keep you cool and the views are stunning, as always! Grab some friends or family and cruise around!
If you’re a NY baseball fan or you know one, this is a fun 4th of July activity! The Yankees are hosting the Mets at Yankee Stadium on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Get your tickets ASAP because these will go very quickly!
Watch Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
There’s no food more American than hot dogs! This year the event will take place at Maimonades Park, with a hopeful return to the original Nathan’s spot next year. This is a free event, but you do need to reserve tickets still! There will be first-come first-serve seating with safety guidelines in place and it will be televised on ESPN, as well. Doors open at 10, the women’s contest begins at 11 and the men’s contest will begin at 12:30. You can secure a seat through their site or by emailing nathanshotdogeatingcontest2021@nathansfamous.com.
Spend the afternoon or evening at a rooftop establishment! The Empire Room is located in the Penthouse at 230 Fifth and they will have a celebration with BBQ, cocktails and more! Tickets are available on their site. Some other great rooftops are Fornino and Harriet’s Rooftop and Lounge!
Jersey City Night Market is having a 4th of July celebration from noon-10pm. It’s located at Exchange Place Path Plaza on the waterfront. There will be a ton of food, drinks, music and crafts. At the end of the night, you’ll be able to watch fireworks on the water. The event is free and is a great way to support local businesses!
Watermark Beach is throwing an all day beach bash at Pier 15 from 11am-close. They’ll have BBQ, seafood, cocktails, VIP cabanas, DJ’s and more! They aren’t expecting to have any firework views, but they are promising a great time. And the event is kid and dog friendly! Grab your tickets on their eventbrite page linked!
13 thoughts on “How to Spend The 4th of July in NYC”
These are all lovely ideas for the Fourth of July weekend! You really know how to have a good time.
I’m glad you like them!
I was born and raised in NYC and I miss watching the fireworks from Coney Island or going to a Mets game at the old Shea Stadium (Let’s Go Mets Go!) These are all great ideas! I need to get back to the city!
Hopefully you can visit the city soon!
Sounds like fun! I’ve always wanted to go to NYC during the 4th of July.
It’s so fun here on the 4th!
We don’t observe the 4th of July in my country but I know that it’s a much-awaited holiday in the USA. I see so many recipe recommendations for this celebration though that I’d love to try them.
I haven’t been to NYC during the 4th of July holiday before. These look like great options for the holiday. Maybe we can go to NYC one year!
Those are all wonderful ideas and I’m sure they would definitely be fun as well. Thanks for sharing this informative post with us.
These are fun ideas for the 4th of July in NYC! I’m sure there’s always something for everyone!
Great tips! I just hope I can visit US soon. I miss these kinds of holidays!
Yey!! Almost 4th of July!! You guys are lucky that you’ve already overcome covid and that you can already celebrate feasts like this!!
That sounds like a great place to visit and definitely a fun place indeed. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time there as well.